research Questions Flashcards
(21 cards)
What was the main objective of the Kuwaiti National Premarital Screening Program?
To estimate the prevalence rates of β-thalassemia and Sickle cell disorders and reduce marriages between carriers of hemoglobinopathies through premarital screening and genetic counseling.
How many individuals were screened as part of the program between 2009 and 2020?
275,819 individuals.
What percentage of individuals were identified with β-thalassemia trait?
2.12% (5861 individuals).
What percentage of individuals were diagnosed with β-thalassemia disease?
0.008% (22 individuals).
What percentage of individuals were identified with Sickle cell trait?
1.81% (5003 individuals).
What percentage of individuals were diagnosed with Sickle cell disease?
0.062% (172 individuals)
How did the program impact the marriage decisions of high-risk couples?
It prevented 50.4% of high-risk couples from marrying by issuing unsafe marriage certificates.
What recommendations were made to improve the premarital screening program?
Intensifying counseling for high-risk couples, increasing general population awareness, and implementing earlier age screening policies.
What diagnostic tests were included in the screening protocol?
omplete blood counts (CBC), absolute reticulocyte count, peripheral blood film, HPLC, sickling test, serum ferritin, Hb gel electrophoresis, and capillary electrophoresis
What was the overall prevalence rate of iron deficiency anemia among the screened individuals?
7.86%.
How did the prevalence rates of β-thalassemia and Sickle cell trait change over the 11-year period?
β-thalassemia trait rates fluctuated; Sickle cell trait rates decreased from 21.0 per 1000 in 2009 to 14.1 per 1000 in 2020
hat were some of the other hemoglobin abnormalities detected during the screening
Hb D trait (0.27%), Hb E trait (0.053%), Hb C trait (0.018%), and Hb H disease (0.025%)
What percentage of the screened population held Kuwaiti nationality
Almost 90%.
What proportion of the program attendees were in the 25–34 year-age group?
58.96%
What was the female to male ratio among the screened individuals?
Approximately 51.0% female to 49.0% male
What percentage of the individuals applying for the premarital program were doing so for their first marriage?
76.32%
What level of education did most of the participants have?
University degree or above (53.06%
What was the rate of couples receiving safe marriage certificates compared to those receiving unsafe marriage certificates?
98% received safe certificates, 1% received unsafe certificates, and 1% were not issued a certificate.
What ethical considerations were mentioned in the study?
The study was approved by the MOH ethical committee, protecting individuals’ privacy and rights with appropriate protocols.
hat was the trend regarding the disagreement between couples over unsafe marriages during the 11 years of the program?
There was an increasing trend towards disagreement over unsafe marriages.
How effective was the program in preventing marriages between couples at risk of having children with hemoglobinopathies?
Effective in preventing about 50.4% of such marriages.
